Four Misconceptions about Your Child’s Food… Always Remember Them

Sometimes you say, “If you don’t clean your plate, you won’t get any dessert.” You make them promises—if they will only eat what’s on their plate. What’s more, you show your anxiety if they refuse to eat a meal. Small wonder—like many others, you have some misconceptions.

Misconception 1: If You Don’t Clean Your Plate, You Won’t Get Any Dessert

Your child eats until they’re full. If you ask them to finish their dish, this will push them to eat an amount they don’t need and lose their ability to recognize when they’re full.

Don’t make your child think that eating sugary foods is wrong. Remember that some types of foods are just meant to be enjoyed. So tell them only that they should eat a limited amount of candy or chocolate.

Misconception 2: Skipping Meals Is Proof They’re Sick

It’s best for your child to eat the main meals every day, certainly, but it’s wrong to force them to do so.

Have faith in your child and know that they’re not deliberately depriving themselves of food. You can be sure that they’re skipping one of their meals for one reason: they’re not hungry.

Misconception 3: You Can Leave Them the Freedom to Choose Their Own Food

Sometimes you like to let your child choose their own food. This makes them happy and able to take responsibility for their choices.

However, don’t forget that this may lead them to make the wrong choices. They wouldn’t pick boiled green vegetables, for example, if they could eat fries.

Don’t deprive them of the fatty food they love. Serve them hamburgers every now and then. Just don’t make it a habit!

Misconception 4: Sugar-free Drinks and Fat-free Foods Are Good for Your Health

Do you serve your child sugar-free diet drinks, juices, and food? Watch out. You shouldn’t completely deprive them of this sweetener. Their body must get used to dealing with all its sources: sweets, fruits, starches, etc. Still, it’s best to eat them in a healthy way.

Don’t make your child think that all fat is bad. They should know that there’s good fat, too.